Ajax Women managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory against Fortuna Sittard on March 1, 2025, thanks to a penalty scored by captain Sherida Spitse. This match, held at the RKSV Groene Ster's facility because of maintenance work at Fortuna's home ground, proved to be pivotal for Ajax as they strive to maintain their lead in the women’s Eredivisie title race.
From the outset, Ajax dominated possession, yet they struggled to convert their chances. Danique Tolhoek came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the first half, but her shot lacked the power necessary to trouble Fortuna goalkeeper Claire Dinkla. Both teams failed to find the back of the net during the first half, with Fortuna leaving the pitch at halftime feeling encouraged by their resilient performance, especially considering they had won only once in their last five outings.
After the break, Ajax resumed their control of the game, continuing to apply pressure on the Fortuna defense without much reward. It seemed as though the Ajax players were running out of ideas when, shortly after the hour mark, fortune smiled upon them. A foul on Tolhoek inside the penalty area led the referee, Caroline Lanssens, to award Ajax a penalty, which Spitse coolly converted to make it 1-0. Spitse, who has not always been guaranteed a starting spot for the national team, showed her importance to the team when it mattered most: "I took the responsibility because I wanted to secure the points for our team," she said after the match, reflecting on her decisive role.
The home side knew they had to push for the equalizer after Ajax took the lead, and they did create some opportunities. jedoch they were repeatedly thwarted, with their best chances called off for offside violations. Ajax defended resolutely, controlling the game toward the end and managing to see out the victory without conceding.
The result is significant for Ajax, who are embroiled in a tight title race, now sitting four points clear of their nearest competitors after 15 matches. Coach Hesterine de Reus expressed satisfaction with the win, acknowledging the importance of every point as they navigate the remainder of the season, with seven matches left to secure the championship. "We know we need to keep winning, especially against teams like Fortuna, who can be tough to play against," she remarked.
Fortuna Sittard, on the other hand, will likely feel disheartened after failing to capitalize on their chances, but they showed flashes of quality and resilience, which they can build upon for their upcoming fixtures. They have now lost significant points at home, which could impact their position as they aim for mid-table security.
This match serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the women’s Eredivisie, where teams are often well matched, and every game presents new challenges. Ajax Women, with their eyes on the trophy, must now continue to focus and perform well as they face challenging away fixtures against rivals like FC Twente and PSV as the season progresses.